Family of Faith Game Plan

An average professional football game contains over 150 plays. Fortunately, God’s plan for growing a faith-filled family is easier, especially with this Family of Faith Game Plan. 

God’s Word tells us that it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children and to raise them in the faith. Churches, Christian schools, and other resources are there as fantastic supports, but faith development is still centered in the home. While this may feel like a huge responsibility (and it is!), it doesn’t have to be complicated. The most effective strategies will be the ones you use consistently, every day and every week. Consider this Family of Faith Game Plan.  

1. “Kickoff” each week with worship. Set the tone for the week ahead by showing your family what is most important. Worship together as a family, talk about the service on your way home, sing the songs/hymns in your free time. Don’t worry if your children are wiggly during worship; that is to be expected. When you attend weekly, your children “practice” worship behaviors and develop a habit of worshipping their Lord to last a lifetime.
2. Study God’s “Playbook,” the Bible. Make reading the Bible together a daily habit either first thing in the morning, over dinner, or even before bed. Take turns selecting favorite stories or characters to read and discuss. Share favorite verses. Memorize verses together. Consider God’s faithfulness and look for how each story in the Bible points to Jesus.
3. “Tackle” each new day and challenge with prayer. Develop a habit of beginning and ending each day in prayer. Pray with your children throughout the day whenever you feel yourself becoming frustrated with a challenge, when you notice someone else in need, or when you just need to stop and give thanks. Ask your children to lead prayer too. They will be far less self-conscious and will quickly become comfortable praying with anyone.
4. “Pass” your stories of faith on to your children. What does your faith mean to you? How have you seen God in the past week? What challenges has God helped you overcome? What have you learned from the heroes of the Bible? Share your stories with your family. Make faith conversations a part of your every day discussions.